Staying consciously consistent with your principles and with your positive daily affirmations isn’t a simple proposition. It’s so much easier to just fall back into the old programming or to react without thought. However, for spiritual evolution and development, a person has to learn to change their old thought and behavior patterns and not allow outside forces to drag them back into simply reacting from old fears.

There’s a difference between reacting and responding to a situation. Reaction is habitually “re-acting,” which is acting the same way over and over, with no conscious choice. Responding to a condition means that you have evaluated the situation, assessed your behavior options and consciously selected a course of action that would be best to fulfill your principles and whatever goal you might have.

Suppose someone criticizes you, and you feel attacked. Instead of immediately reacting and going on the defensive and/or attacking them back, you might respond by detaching from the situation to evaluate it. This isn’t easy in the midst of emotional warfare. But it’s the way to be able to consciously choose your next step. First, evaluate your feelings and choose a course of action that is consistent with your principles, while also supporting your inner self. You can then state your case and let the person accept or reject it.

Keeping your words and deeds consistent with your affirmations also takes some conscious effort. For instance, others in your world may bemoan the recession and complain about the difficult economic times. However, you’re affirming that prosperity flows to you no matter how the outer circumstances might look. It may be difficult, with all that negativity around, to avoid falling into the mental trap of a fear of lack. But if you catch yourself every time you begin to affirm poverty, turn it around and affirm prosperity, you’ll program your mind for prosperity.

Staying consistent isn’t easy, despite Emerson’s declaration that consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, and means conscious living. But it’s the only way to change your old mental conditioning and your life. It’s not easy to remain this aware, but the rewards of spiritual growth are enormous.

About Linda-Ann Stewart

Linda-Ann Steward is a nationally known speaker, life coach, hypnotherapist, and author, Linda-Ann Stewart empowers people to discover new possibilities and realize their full potential. Visit Linda-Ann Stewart to receive a free e-book full of affirmations and related articles.